Reconfigurable display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus is disclosed and includes a container and a cap. The container includes a body, a band disposed along a section of the body, and a retaining member. The body includes an open first end in communication with the interior recess and opposite a second enclosed end. The retaining member is disposed within the interior recess proximate the first open end, and is maintained in a substantially stationary position via frictional engagement with an interior surface of the body. The cap has a second height and includes an interior recess that is configured to engage and receive at least one of a section of the body including the first end and a section of the body including the second end. When the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the first end is elevated a distance between 0 and the second height.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a display apparatus for one or more accessories. In embodiments, the present invention relates to a container and display for one or more accessories that is at least partially reconfigurable.

SUMMARY

Some retail businesses, for example, apparel, at least partially rely on the visual presentation of products to entice customers and/or influence customers' decisions with respect to selection and/or purchase of items. With respect to accessories for apparel, customers may wish to view a given accessory against items with which it will be worn, which may not be the same as the items worn by a customer when viewing the accessory. Accordingly, customers sometimes try on multiple articles of clothing only to determine whether or not to purchase an accessory item.

However, Applicant has discovered that accessory items can be viewed against the backdrop of selected styles of clothing without the need for the customer to adorn additional articles of clothing. According to embodiments described herein, Applicant has provided an accessory container that is reconfigurable into a display apparatus that provides a customer with the ability to view the accessory against a complementary style and/or pattern of clothing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a container comprising: a body having a first height and defining an interior recess, the body comprising an open first end in communication with the interior recess and opposite a second enclosed end; a band disposed along a section of the body between the first end and the second end; and a retainer member disposed within the interior recess proximate the first open end, the retainer member maintained in a substantially stationary position via engagement with an interior surface of the body; and a cap comprising an interior recess that is configured to engage and receive at least one of a section of the body including the first end and a section of the body including the second end, the cap having a second height, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the first end is elevated a distance between 0 and the second height.

In embodiments, when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the cap is friction fit with the section of the body including the second end.

In embodiments, when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the body is suspended above a floor of the cap.

In embodiments, the retainer member is resilient.

In embodiments, the retainer member is comprised of a polymeric material.

In embodiments, the retainer member comprises a body and an opening.

In embodiments, the body has an ovoid cross-sectional configuration.

In embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the cap is greater than a cross-sectional area of the body.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a display apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a container comprising: a body defining an interior recess, the body comprising an open first end in communication with the interior recess and opposite a second enclosed end, the body receives a portion of a fabric member having a first surface pattern; a band disposed along a section of the body between the first end and the second end and having a second surface pattern that coordinates with the first surface pattern; a retainer member disposed within the interior recess proximate the first open end, the retainer member maintained in a substantially stationary position via engagement with an interior surface of the body, the retainer member maintains a portion of the fabric member extending therethrough in a substantially stationary position; and a cap comprising an interior recess that is configured to engage and receive at least one of a section of the body including the first end and a section of the body including the second end.

In embodiments, the second surface pattern comprises at least one raised portion.

In embodiments, the second surface pattern comprises at least one grooved portion.

In embodiments, the band comprises a plurality of layers.

In embodiments, a pocket is formed between two layers of the plurality of layers.

In embodiments, when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the cap is friction fit with the section of the body including the second end.

In embodiments, when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the body is suspended above a floor of the cap.

In embodiments, the retainer member is resilient.

In embodiments, the retainer member is comprised of a polymeric material.

In embodiments, the retainer member comprises a body and an opening.

In embodiments, the body has an ovoid cross-sectional configuration.

In embodiments, the portion of the fabric extending through the retainer member is a narrowed end portion of a necktie.

In embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the cap is greater than a cross-sectional area of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the display apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front first sequential view of the display apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front second sequential view of the display apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to a display apparatus for one or more fabrics, which can include pocket squares, handkerchiefs, and neckties. In embodiments, the present invention relates to a container and display for one or more fabrics that is at least partially reconfigurable.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the words “may” and “can” are used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

With reference to FIG. 1, a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated 100. Display apparatus 100 includes a container 10 that is coupled with a cap 20. Display apparatus 10 is reconfigurable between the closed condition shown and an open condition in which an object contained therein is at least partially displayed on an outer surface of container 10, as described further herein.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, container 10 includes a body 12 that may be a generally elongate member with an ovoid cross-sectional profile. The body 12 defines an interior recess 14 and has an open end 15 in communication with the interior recess 14, and an enclosed end (not shown) opposite the open end 15. As described further herein, interior recess 14 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an object such as a length of fabric. In embodiments, container 10 may have a different configuration than shown, for example, cylindrical, square or rectangular box-shaped, or a prism-type shape.

A band 16 is disposed around an outer portion of the body 12 of container 10. Band 16 has a surface pattern S₁ evocative of a style and/or type of fabric, for example, ribs, suede (e.g., fuzzed), checkers, dots, stripes, pinstripes, seersucker, linen, tweed, flannel, corduroy, sharkskin, crocodile, leopard, silk, knit woven, paisley, waffling, or hatching, to name a few, in different colors and/or variations. In this regard, the surface pattern may include one or more raised and/or grooved portions of band 16 to accentuate a particular style. In embodiments, band 16 may include one or more dyes, inks, or other coloring, for example, a print of one or more of the above surface patterns.

As shown, band 16 may be disposed between the open end 15 and an opposite end of the body 12 of container 10. In embodiments, band 16 may extend fully, substantially, or partially to one or both of open end 15 and the opposite end of body 12, or may be spaced apart from one or both of open end 15 and the opposite end of body 12, as shown. Band 16 may extend fully around an outer circumference of body 12, or may be disposed less than fully around the circumference of body 12. Band 16 may be formed of a separate piece that is coupled with body 12, for example, by adhesion, heat welding, or friction fit, to name a few. In embodiments, band 16 may be integrally formed with body 12 of container 10. In other embodiments, band 16 may be absent from container 10, with surface features formed directly onto the body 12.

Container 10 also includes a retainer member 18 that is configured to be placed along a portion of interior recess 14. In embodiments, retainer member 18 may be entirely disposed within interior recess 14 or one or more portions of retainer member 18 may protrude from open end 15 of body 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a top surface of retainer member 18 is positioned flush with the open end 15 of body 12. Retainer member 18 is configured to maintain an upwardly-extending portion of an object disposed in interior recess 14 in a substantially stationary position. In this regard, retainer member 18 has a cross-sectional configuration that at least partially approximates the open end 15 of body 12, and includes one or more openings therethrough to receive a portion of an object. In the exemplary embodiment shown, retainer member 18 has a kidney-shaped body 18 a that defines a curved opening 18 b through which a portion of an object can extend outwardly of container 10.

Retainer member 18 may be formed of a material suitable for engagement with the interior surfaces of body 12 of container 10, for example, a polymeric material such as rubber, plastic, or foam. Retainer member 18 may have properties to facilitate insertion and/or retention within body 12, for example a surface with a relatively high coefficient of friction and/or a resilient nature. In embodiments, retainer member 18 may be positioned within body 12 of container 10 via mechanical means, for example, with a fastener or coupling such as a hinge, or by adhesion.

In embodiments, retainer member 18 may have a different configuration, for example, an ovoid shape with a central slit extending therethrough or a duckbill configuration. It will be understood that retainer member 18 may have a configuration consistent with a configuration of container 10.

Still referring to FIG. 2, cap 20, as shown, may be an ovoid member defining an interior recess to receive an upper portion of the body 12 of container 10. In this regard, cap 20 may have a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of body 12 of container 10. For example, cap 20 may have a length L₁ and a width W₁ that are larger than a respective length L₂ and width W₂ of the body 12 of container 10. In embodiments, cap 20 and body 12 may have different relative dimensions. In this regard, cap 20 may be dimensioned so as to have a friction fit over the upper portion of the body 12. As described further herein, cap 20 may similarly be dimensioned so as to have a friction fit over the lower portion of the body 12. As shown, cap 20 defines a height H₁ and container 10 defines a height H₂, as described further herein.

Cap 20 and retainer member 18 are removable from the body 12 of container 10 to permit access to interior recess 14 therein. Thus, an object such as a length of fabric, e.g., a pocket square or handkerchief, may be inserted into interior recess 14. Such object may be pre-arranged, e.g., folded, to approximate the dimensions of interior recess 14. Retainer member 18 may then be inserted into interior recess 14. In embodiments, retainer member 18 may be pressed to overcome interfering and frictional forces presented by the body 12 of container 18. In other embodiments, retainer member 18 may be compressed, e.g., squeezed, prior to insertion into interior recess 14, and allowed to expand against the interior surface of body 12 upon release. In embodiments, cap 20 and/or retainer member 18 may be less than fully removable from the body 12 of container 10, for example, cap 20 and/or retainer member 18 may be hingably coupled to body 12 so as to permit movement to accommodate the passage of an object thereby, but without allowing separation from body 12.

Once an object is inserted into the interior recess 14, a portion thereof may be arranged to protrude through the open end 15 of body 12. Accordingly, a portion of an object within interior recess 14 may be pulled through the opening 18 b of retainer member 18, or retainer 18 may be inserted into interior recess 14 as described above with a portion of the object already protruding through open end 15.

Turning now to FIG. 3, cap 20 may be removed to reveal a portion of a pocket square P disposed in interior recess 14 of the body 12 of container 10. As shown, a corner portion of pocket square P is exposed above retainer member 18. The corner portion of pocket square P may be a single layer of corner, or may be multiple corners and/or layers, similar to how a pocket square is displayed in a jacket pocket. In embodiments, a different portion of pocket square P may be exposed.

Turning now to FIG. 3, reconfiguration of the display apparatus 10 from a container to a combination container/display will be described. In the initial closed configuration shown, pocket square P is disposed within interior recess 14 of the body 12 of container 10, a portion of pocket square P is exposed above retainer member 18, and cap 20 is engaged with the upper portion of body 12 such that the exposed portion of pocket square P is disposed within the interior recess of cap 20.

Referring additionally to FIG. 4, cap 20 may be removed from the body 12 of container 10 such that the portion of pocket square P exposed above retainer member 18 is visible. In this configuration, pocket square P gives the visual impression of being tucked into a jacket pocket such that a surface pattern S₂ associated with pocket square P and the surface pattern S₁ associated with the band 16 around body 12 are visible in tandem to give the viewer a visual sense of the pocket square P coordinated with accompanying attire. As described herein, surface patterns may be coordinated with one another if they conform to modern fashion standards for appropriate style matchings. For example, two or more surface patterns may be coordinated to match, complement, or contrast one another. This not only informs the viewer's decision as to whether or not to buy the pocket square P, but also obviates the need for the viewer to retrieve, manipulate, and/or wear articles of clothing for this same purpose.

As shown, cap 20 may be configured to be coupled with the bottom portion of body 12 of container 10 in a similar fashion as with the upper portion of body 12 described above. Accordingly, cap 20 may be inverted after removal and positioned below container 10 such that the body 12 of container 10 may be received within the interior recess of cap 20. In this regard, container 10 provides a convenient and secure location for retaining cap 20 upon removal from the upper portion of body 12. Such a feature is advantageous, for example, to avoid the loss of cap 20 and/or for aesthetic concerns, e.g., to avoid clutter.

Additionally, the disposition of cap 20 on the underside of container 10 elevates container 10 a height of up to height H₁ of cap 20, e.g., container 10 may be elevated from a height of H₂ to a height between H₂ and H₂+H₁. Since cap 20 may be frictionally engaged with the bottom portion of body 12, body 12 may sit at a selected vertical position along the interior recess of cap 20, e.g., body 12 may be suspended above the “floor” of cap 20 by frictional forces. Alternatively, body 12 may be pressed fully down to the floor of cap 20. In any event, cap 20 provides elevation of container 10. In this regard, cap 20 provides a selectively adjustable platform upon which container 10 can be elevated, for example, to increase the visibility and/or appeal of pocket square P.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally designated 200.

Display apparatus 200 may have one or more substantially similar components to display apparatus 100 described above, for example, a container 210 that includes body 12, and cap 20.

Display apparatus 200 may be configured to store and display an object such as a piece of fabric similarly to display apparatus 100 described above. In the exemplary embodiment shown, display apparatus 200 may be configured to store and display a necktie N. Accordingly, necktie N is at least partially disposed within the interior recess (not shown) of display apparatus 200.

Display apparatus 200 includes a retainer member 218 that maintains a portion of necktie N in a substantially stationary position, and above which an additional length of necktie N may be exposed. Accordingly, retainer member 218 may have a substantially similar configuration to retainer member 18 described above, e.g., retainer member 218 includes a body 218 a that defines an opening 218 b through which a portion of necktie N may be disposed. Retainer member 218 may have the kidney bean-shaped configuration shown, or, in embodiments, may have an ovoid configuration with a slit or a duckbill configuration.

As with retainer member 18 described above, retainer member 218 may protrude from an open end of body 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a top surface of retainer member 18 is positioned flush with the open end of body 12.

Retainer member 218 may be formed of a material suitable for engagement with the interior surfaces of body 12, for example, a polymeric material such as rubber, plastic, or foam. Retainer member 218 may have properties to facilitate insertion and/or retention within body 12, for example a surface with a relatively high coefficient of friction and/or a resilient nature. In embodiments, retainer member 218 may be positioned within body 12 via mechanical means, such as a fastener, or by adhesion.

Band 216 extending around body 12 may have a configuration evocative of a type of fabric with which necktie N is commonly paired. Accordingly, band 216 may include a first layer 216 a representative of a first layer of clothing and a second layer 216 b representative of a second layer of clothing. In embodiments, first layer 216 a may be representative of, for example, a dress shirt and second layer 216 b may be representative of, for example, a jacket covering a dress shirt. Accordingly, first layer 216 a may have a first surface pattern S₃ and second layer 216 b may have a second surface pattern S₄, respectively. In embodiments, surface pattern S₃, S₄ may be, for example, ribs, suede (e.g., fuzzed), checkers, dots, stripes, pinstripes, seersucker, linen, tweed, flannel, corduroy, sharkskin, leopard, corocodile silk, knit woven, paisley, waffling, or hatching, to name a few, in different colors and/or variations. In this regard, the surface pattern may include one or more raised and/or grooved portions of band 216 to accentuate a particular style. One or both of surface patterns S₃, S₄ may complement a surface pattern S₅ associated with necktie N. In embodiments, band 216 may include one or more dyes, inks, or other coloring agents, for example, a print of one or more of the above surface patterns.

In embodiments, first layer 216 a and second layer 216 b may be at least partially overlapped with respect to one another, or may be distinct sections of a single layer. In other embodiments, band 216 may include a different number of layers. In still other embodiments, one or both of first layer 216 a and second layer 216 b may extend into the upper and/or lower end sections of body 12. For example, second layer 216 b may extend into the upper end section of body 12, e.g., to give the illusion of a dress shirt that extends upwardly toward a collar. In such embodiments, the second layer 216 b may be dimensioned such that it does not interfere with the coupling of cap 20 to body 12.

First layer 216 a and second layer 216 b may overlap so as to form a pocket 217 or recess therebetween. Pocket 217 maybe configured to receive a portion, e.g., an end, of necktie N such that a portion necktie N can be draped over the outer surface of body 12, with an end disposed in pocket 217. For example, pocket 217 may be formed between first layer 216 a and second layer 216 b, at an apex of a V-shaped cutaway of first layer 216 a that simulates the closure of a jacket. As shown, pocket 217 may have an open bottom such that an end of necktie N may extend therethrough, to augment the appearance of display apparatus 200. In this regard, first layer 216 a and second layer 216 b of band 216, along with necktie N, may give the appearance of a scaled-down suit so that a viewer may immediately pair a surface pattern of the necktie N with that of an accompanying shirt and jacket. Owing to size constraints, a narrower, “tail” end of necktie N may be selected to extend through retainer member 218 and over body 12.

As described above with respect to display apparatus 100 above, disposition of cap 20 on the underside of body 12 elevates body 12 to a height of up to height H₁ of cap 20, e.g., body 12 may be elevated from a height of H₂ to a height between H₂ and H₂+H₁.

With respect to display apparatuses 100 and 200 described herein, additional features may be provided to improve their respective functionalities. For example, detachable or retractable legs may be provided for mounting on a bottom portion of body 12 or on a portion of cap 20 so as to provide additional elevation for display apparatuses 100, 200.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A display apparatus, comprising: a container comprising: a body having a first height and defining an interior recess, the body comprising an open first end in communication with the interior recess and opposite a second enclosed end; a band disposed along a section of the body between the first end and the second end; and a retainer member disposed within the interior recess proximate the first open end, the retainer member maintained in a substantially stationary position via engagement with an interior surface of the body; and a cap comprising an interior recess that is configured to engage and receive at least one of a section of the body including the first end and a section of the body including the second end, the cap having a second height, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the first end is elevated a distance between 0 and the second height.
 2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the cap is friction fit with the section of the body including the second end.
 3. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the body is suspended above a floor of the cap.
 4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer member is resilient.
 5. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer member is comprised of a polymeric material.
 6. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer member comprises a body and an opening.
 7. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body has an ovoid cross-sectional configuration.
 8. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the cap is greater than a cross-sectional area of the body.
 9. A display apparatus, comprising: a container comprising: a body defining an interior recess, the body comprising an open first end in communication with the interior recess and opposite a second enclosed end, the body receives a portion of a fabric member having a first surface pattern; a band disposed along a section of the body between the first end and the second end and having a second surface pattern that coordinates with the first surface pattern; a retainer member disposed within the interior recess proximate the first open end, the retainer member maintained in a substantially stationary position via engagement with an interior surface of the body, the retainer member maintains a portion of the fabric member extending therethrough in a substantially stationary position; and a cap comprising an interior recess that is configured to engage and receive at least one of a section of the body including the first end and a section of the body including the second end.
 10. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second surface pattern comprises at least one raised portion.
 11. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second surface pattern comprises at least one grooved portion.
 12. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the band comprises a plurality of layers.
 13. The display apparatus of claim 12, wherein a pocket is formed between two layers of the plurality of layers.
 14. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the cap is friction fit with the section of the body including the second end.
 15. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the cap is engaged with the section of the body including the second end, the body is suspended above a floor of the cap.
 16. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the retainer member is resilient.
 17. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the retainer member is comprised of a polymeric material.
 18. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the retainer member comprises a body and an opening.
 19. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portion of the fabric extending through the retainer member is a narrowed end portion of a necktie.
 20. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein a cross-sectional area of the cap is greater than a cross-sectional area of the body. 